March 10th and 11th - Travel days

Monday, March 12th

8:30 - 10:45 am Meetings at Embassy Suites Hotel Washington D.C. Convention Center
11:00  Lunch at the hotel. Guests attending the afternoon tour are invited to this lunch.
11:30   Depart hotel for group outing and dinner in Old Town Fredericksburg, Virginia (see itinerary below). 

Tuesday, March 13th

8:30 am - 5:00 pm Meetings at Embassy Suites Hotel Washington D.C. Convention Center

Wednesday, March 14th

The House of Representatives are not in session while we're in DC, therefore there will not be a Nebraska Breakfast.

9:30 am - 12:00 pm Meetings with Nebraska Congressional Delegation (conclusion of meeting). 

Embassy Suites Hotel Washington D.C. Convention Center

Registration Information: 

Full Registration - $430

Includes: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday meetings with break services. Monday's group outing to Fredericksburg, VA, with lunch and dinner, and Tuesday lunch. 

Extra guest ticket for Monday group outing to Fredericksburg, VA - $190

Itinerary for Fredericksburg, VA:

• Tour Chatham Manor, used by the Union troops as their headquarters during the Civil War. 
• Visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and walk the Sunken Road along the famous Stone Wall. 
• Visit Kenmore, the elegant plantation home that belonged to George Washington's sister, and her patriot husband Fielding Lewis. The home is known for its beautiful plaster work. 
• Tour the Mary Washington House, last home of George Washington's mother. This is the home George purchased for her and where she spent her last 17 years.

Water Programs Agenda - March 6, 2012 

NRD Water Programs Conference - Kearney Holiday Inn, Kearney, NE

The program includes, agency updates, groundwater issues, surface water issues, stormwater modeling, weather, cropping information and technology updates.  We will apply for CEUs.  For more details, we've attached a link to the agenda at the top of this page.  Registration fee is $70 per person, which includes breaks and lunch.  Don't forget to select your T-Shirt size! 

Curtis, NE - A district with an integrated management plan may levy an occupation tax upon the activity of irrigation of agricultural lands within such district on an annual basis, not to exceed ten dollars per irrigated acre. The current occupation tax by the Middle Republican NRD is $8.50 per irrigated acre and this tax applies to acres irrigated by ground water or surface water. The occupation tax for next fiscal year (2012-2013) will be set by the September budget hearing.

The Middle Republican NRD provides information to the county assessors related to the acres certified as irrigated with ground water. Using this information and existing property valuations, acres classified by the county assessor as irrigated shall be subject to the districts occupation tax, unless on or before March 1 in each subsequent year the record owner certifies to the district the non irrigation status of such acres. Landowners must provide the District with information showing the location of these acres and the reason for the non irrigation status. Information provided to the District must be detailed enough to determine what parcel of land the acres are attached to. Along with the exemption from the occupation tax provided by this certification of non irrigation, any base allocation authorized by the NRD will be reduced to zero for that year of exemption. Currently a blanket exemption has been established by the district for all acres enrolled in the CREP program. No further action is needed as long as your acres remain enrolled in that program. The board has not authorized any exemption for other temporary retirement programs.

Landowners are reminded that this process only applies to the occupation tax and not to property taxes. Should you want to apply for this exemption from the occupation tax, you should gather the information needed and contact the Middle Republican NRD. This exemption will apply to any occupation tax levied for the 2012-2013 fiscal year which begins on July 1, 2012.

Curtis, NE - Students who will be entering their first or second year of college are invited to apply for the Middle Republican Natural Resources District College scholarship. Two applicants will be selected for scholarships in the amount of $500 each. Scholarship applications must be received in the Middle Republican NRD office before the close of business on April 2, 2012.

To be eligible, applicants must be residents of the Middle Republican Natural Resources District. This includes all of Hayes, Hitchcock, and Red Willow counties most of Frontier County and the southern ¼ of Lincoln County. Applicants must be registered to attend an accredited post-secondary institution during the 2012-2013 school year. Preference is given to those applicants who plan to major in a natural resources or agriculture related field. While students may attend any college of their choice, preference is also given to applicants who are applying to McCook Community College or the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Applications will be sent to district guidance counselors, vocational agriculture instructors, and natural science teachers. They will also be sent to the Financial Aid offices at McCook Community College and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. Students may also apply on the web at: http://www.mrnrd.org/programs/education/scholarships/scholarships.html.
Last year's winners were Derek Aden of Eustis-Farnam High School and Katelyn Sughroue of Southwest High School.

For more information, contact the Middle Republican NRD office in Curtis at (800) 873-5613 or any district high school guidance counselor or vocational agriculture teacher. Applicants can also apply on the District website at: http://www.mrnrd.org/education/programs/education/scholarships/scholarships.html.
The District offers this and other scholarships as part of its education and outreach program.

LINCOLN (NE) February 9, 2012 - After inspecting all three of its trails following last weekend's snow storm, the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District has advised trail users to be cautious. The NRD's MoPac East, Oak Creek and Homestead recreational trails are open, but crews are expected to remain on the trails for the next several weeks, clearing debris that, in some cases, totally blocks the trail.

The NRD's 50 miles of crushed limestone trails are maintained year-round and some popular winter activities on the trails include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the trails. NRD Resources Coordinator Dan Schulz said, "Our biggest concern is the safety of trail users, especially when they're in an area where our crews are working to clear debris. We're advising them to use extra caution."

The MoPac East Trail extends eastward from 84th Street, in Lincoln, through Walton, Eagle and Elmwood, to Wabash. The Oak Creek Trail spans 12 miles between Valparaiso and Brainard. Both crushed limestone trails share their corridors with natural-surfaced equestrian trails. The Homestead Trail stretches 13 miles, from 2600 Saltillo Road to Cortland.

YORK, NE --The Upper Big Blue NRD, along with University of Nebraska Extension Education are sponsoring two No-Till and Crop Management Seminars. The dates and locations are as follows:

February 13: BRUNING - Bruning Opera House.
February 14: COLUMBUS - Ag Park Exhibit Hall.
Both meetings will begin with refreshments at 8:30 a.m., and an official start at 9:00 a.m. The end of the seminars will wrap-up around 3:00 p.m. with a FREE meal to be provided over the noon hour. There is no charge for any part of these programs.

Speakers include Paul Jasa (UNL) on February 13 and 14, Dwayne Beck (South Dakota State University) on February 13 and 14, Ray Ward (Ward Laboratories, Inc.) on 13, Dan Gillespie (NRCS) on February 14, and Al Vyhnalek (South Dakota State University) on February 14.

These speakers will share their experiences with no-till farming on such topics as No-Till Equipment, Becoming Successful with No-Till, No-Till Economics, How No-Till Improves Soil Structure and Fertility, Cover Crops, and How to Increase Organic Matter and Soil Carbon.
RSVPs for both events must be made by February 10th. Those planning to attend the Bruning event should RSVP to Patty Kyhn at the Upper Big Blue NRD at (402) 362-6601. Those planning to attend the Columbus event should RSVP to Rod Wilke at UNL-Extension at (402) 370-4000.

Registrations are now being taken for the annual No-Till Winter Conference to be held February 22-23rd at the Gering Civic Center in Gering, Nebraska.

This two-day conference will provide producers with information on increasing their profitability, efficiency, soil fertility and improving water quality while utilizing and protecting limited water resources.

Experienced no-till researchers, including Dr. Ray Ward of Ward Labs at Kearney; soil microbiologist Dr. Jill Clapperton, Dr. Dwayne Beck, manager of Dakota Lakes Research Farm from Pierre, South Dakota, University of Nebraska Extension Engineer, Paul Jasa and others will share their knowledge of continuous no-till.

The registration fee of $75 per person includes conference information to review the latest no-till research and information, all sessions, door prizes, catered breaks, evening social, a noon meal each day and opportunity to interact with sponsors at their booths or displays. Doors will open for the two-day event at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, with sessions from 8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday's sessions will run from 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Registrations made after February 10th or at the door are $100.

According to NRCS no-till education specialist and event coordinator Mark Watson, the Panhandle No-Till Winter Conference will help producers sharpen their no-till production knowledge and skills.

"With high fuel prices and other input costs, water concerns and other production challenges, more producers are looking at the benefits of no-till farming," Watson says. "This conference will be an excellent opportunity for producers to learn about the advantages of no-till from experts and also visit with local producers who have successfully incorporated it into their operations."

This year's conference is a cooperative effort between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Panhandle Resources Conservation and Development, Inc. (RC&D), South Platte, North Platte and Upper Niobrara White Natural Resources Districts (NRD's). Funding is also provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, the Nebraska No-Till Cadre, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln No-Till Education Fund and several individual and business sponsors.

For more information and to register for the Panhandle No-Till Winter Conference, call the Upper Niobrara White NRD at (308) 432-6190 or go to www.unwnrd.org and hit the No-Till Education link, or stop by your local NRD or NRCS office.

(GRAND ISLAND, NE)- On Thursday the Central Platte Natural Resources District's board of directors took action on several significant items. The first item approved was changes to the Integrated Management Plan; which the NRD developed with the Department of Natural Resources to better manage groundwater and surface water in the District. The changes set up a new area of groundwater management consisting of those areas within the NRD whose groundwater impacts the Platte River below Chapman, NE (parts of northern Hall County, Howard, Nance, Platte, Polk, and all of Merrick County except the southwest corner) within the Central Platte NRD.
In the new management area, variances will still be required to irrigate lands not already certified as irrigated, but offsets to depletions to the Platte River caused by new irrigation will not have to be made at the time of the variance is granted and will only have to be made in the future if the state (DNR) determines that a downstream surface water user or groundwater user are being negatively impacted by that new use.
--Water Resources Committee- In addition to the IMP, the committee had recommendations for the board on the following:
2. Criteria/ Rules & Regulations: The new management area in the IMP will be included in the Rules and Regulations. Criteria has been developed to provide a ranking system to be used for approving variances in the new management area. These changes can be found on the NRD's website at: www.cpnrd.org and copies are also available at the NRD office in Grand Island or by calling (308) 385-6282. Note: A public hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. on February 23, 2012, for the proposed changes to both the IMP and the Rules and Regulations.
3. 30 Mile Canal: The board took action to approve the agreement to acquire 50 percent interest in the Canal. The NRD will share management, income and expense responsibilities. Benefits for the NRD include the transfer of water rights to aide in getting the over-appropriated area of the District back to a fully appropriated status as required by LB 962 and the Platte River Program. This will satisfy requirements without having to regulate landowners. Benefits for the canal shareholders are to generate adequate income to maintain their project through the rehabilitation of the Canal.
4. Southside Irrigation Co. (Orchard/Alfalfa): The board approved a management/lease agreement, similar to the arrangement with Cozad Canal Co. The agreement is contingent on approval of the Southside shareholders; who are considering becoming an Irrigation District which would allow the NRD to develop interlocal agreements with them.
--Elections- The board elected Alicia Haussler as treasurer of the board and Jim Bendfeldt as secretary of the board. The board also elected Jim Bendfeldt as NARD board member with Bill Vasey as alternate. Vasey has been the NARD director for 8 years and felt that someone else should have the opportunity to serve in that position, but requested that he remain alternate.
--Cozad Rehab- Milt Moravek, assistant manager, showed photographs of the construction progress of the Cozad Canal rehabilitation and said that it's going well. Ho Chunk Builders has been removing trees and grading the side slopes of the canal. (Photos attached.)
--Thirty Mile Canal Bid Docs- Kent Cordes, Miller & Associates, provided an update on the bidding schedule for the project. Phase I will consist of 12+ miles of channel clearing and grading; split into five bid packages. The board approved the bid date of February 20, 2012, with contracts to be awarded on February 23rd. Cordes said ideally March 1- April 1 would be beginning construction date, however; the area has been designated as habitat for the American Burying Beetle (an endangered species.) If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission find that construction would disturb the beetles habitat, then construction would likely start in October 2012. The area is also subject to the Migratory Bird Act which wouldn't allow tree removal from April 1- September 30.
--Land Acquisition- Moravek reported that due to the recent increase in land prices, there has been no activity to acquire land for the Prairie/Silver/Moores Flood Control Project dams. A reappraisal has been completed on all properties and will be sent to landowners next week.
--Committee Sign-Ups- Directors selected two committees to serve on in 2012. The following were voted in as chairman for the committees: Water Resources- Jay Richeson, Eastern Projects-Mick Reynolds, Western Projects-Dick Mercer, Programs-Bob Schanou.
--COHYST- Duane Woodward, hydrologist, reported that the Cooperative Hydrology Study is being calibrated and verified. He said a focus area has been established to evaluate where calibration issues need attention and they will start adding drought period information soon. A peer review is scheduled for March 2012.
--NRCS- James Huntwork, district conservationist of Grand Island, reported that the NRCS staff is currently working through the process of offering Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract offers to high ranking applications. The contract fund obligation deadline for the initial allocation is February 21, 2012. Huntwork provided the following timeline associated with other EQIP application fund code administration for FY 2012:
February 3: Organic Initiative, High Tunnel Initiative, On-Farm Energy, Ogallala Initiative, existing AWEP, WHIP and National Water Quality Initiative-1st application cutoff date.
February 21: Unobligated local funds may be swept by State Office for redistribution.
March 30: Organic Initiative, High Tunnel Initiative, On-Farm Energy, Ogallala Initiative, existing AWEP, WHIP & National Water Quality Initiative-2nd application cutoff date.
April 1: Unobligated funds may be swept by NHQ for redistribution in all programs.
June 1: Organic Initiative, High Tunnel Initiative, On-Farm Energy, Ogallala Initiative, existing AWEP, WHIP and National Water Quality Initiative-3rd application cutoff date.
--Legislation- Milt Moravek reported that there aren't many natural resources bills to watch this session, with Central Platte NRD's LB 484 unlikely to make it out of committee for discussion. Dick Mercer, director, said other bills to watch include LB 975, LB 1076 and LB 1134.
--Programs Committee- The committee discussed adding new practices to the cost share program but took no action.
--Cost Share- The board approved 44 applications for cost share. Soil & Water Conservation Program applications: amendment and range seeding for $3,123.09. CPNRD applications: 8 center pivot applications for $53,078; 1 streambank stabilization for $3,000; 13 tree cost share for $11,507.29; 3 flow meters for $1,500 and 17 well decommissioning applications for $18,750 through the Central Platte NRD Cost Share programs. Total approved for both cost share programs totaled $90,958.38.
--November Election- Filing date for incumbents in February 15; for non-incumbents it's March 1.

Graduate students from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health are conducting free domestic well water testing for home owners or property renters in the Dakota, Douglas, Washington, Thurston, Burt, and Sarpy county area who may have had their wells contaminated by the summer's Missouri River flooding. The testing is being done in conjunction with the Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District.

Well testing will evaluate potential bacterial and chemical contamination as measured by total coliform, nitrates, and atrazine.

Prior to the water quality sampling, current residents will be interviewed and complete a 28 question survey regarding demographics, personal health, and physical characteristics of the well.

To schedule a well testing appointment, contact either Sonya Carlson with the Papio-Missouri River NRD at 402-444-6222, or Erica Colbert with UNMC, COPH at erica.colbert@unmc.edu.

YORK, NE -- A Public Hearing concerning proposed changes to the District's Rule 5 is scheduled for March 1, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. at the York City Auditorium (612 Nebraska Avenue, York, Nebraska).

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Proposes New Rules for Fertilizer Application.
Increasing nitrates in groundwater have been a concern in the Upper Big Blue NRD for several years. Several communities in the District have found it necessary to construct new wells to comply with state and federal drinking water standards. Some communities have built, or are considering, treatment plants. Many rural residents have also replaced wells or installed private water treatment systems.
Nitrate is found naturally in the environment, however excess nitrates that are causing groundwater contamination come primarily from the use of commercial fertilizers. Nitrogen fertilizer is needed to produce corn, however, the amount and timing of the fertilizer application can reduce the risks of groundwater contamination. Anhydrous ammonia is the most common form of nitrogen fertilizer used throughout the District.
Since 1996, the NRD has required that farmers wait until November 1st to apply anhydrous, and to wait until March 1st to apply other formulations of nitrogen fertilizer. In some parts of the District where groundwater nitrate is the highest, farmers are required by existing regulations to attend training classes, take soil samples, and calculate crop nitrogen needs.
Despite these efforts, groundwater nitrate levels have continued to rise. The proposed changes to District Rule 5 are designed to encourage farmers to adopt fertilizer management practices that will reduce the opportunity time for nitrate leaching out of the crop root zone.
The proposed new rules give the farmer the following fertilizer application options:
1) Anhydrous ammonia applied between November 1st and February 29th must also be applied with a nitrification inhibitor;
2) Nitrogen fertilizer applied on or after March 1st, and before planting at a rate greater than 150 pounds per acre, must also include a nitrification inhibitor;
3) Pre-plant nitrogen fertilizer applied on or after March 1st at a rate less than 150 pounds per acre DOES NOT require a nitrification inhibitor.
Nitrification inhibitors delay the conversion of nitrogen fertilizers to the nitrate form. This holds the nitrogen in the crop root zone longer, resulting in less opportunity for nitrogen loss. As an alternative to using a nitrification inhibitor, Option #3 allows the farmer to apply a lower rate of fertilizer before planting, and then apply additional nitrogen if needed after planting when an actively growing crop can utilize it.
THE PUBLIC IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THIS PUBLIC HEARING AS IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE UPPER BIG BLUE NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT.

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD) protects lives, property and the future of this area through a wide-range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to outdoor recreation and more. Activities and projects of the Upper Big Blue NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected Board of Directors. The Upper Big Blue NRD is one of 23 Natural Resources Districts across the state. For more information, visit www.upperbigblue.org or call (402) 362-6601.

  
Breaks (Exclusive Sponsor $500/Co-Sponsor $250)

Beverages and pastries will be available at each of the breaks throughout the conference. Your company's name will be displayed on the break table, as well as in the meeting program.
·Exclusive Sponsor - A half page ad (3.5 wide x 4 long, color) will be included in our meeting program. Artwork must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.
·Co-sponsor - A business card size ad (3.5 wide x 2 long, color) will be included in our meeting program. Artwork must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.

Advertise in the program (Business Card size $80/Half-page $110/Full-page $200)

If you would like to advertise your business in the meeting program, place a colored business card size ad (3.5 wide x 2 long) for $80, a half-page ad (3.5 wide x 4 long) for $110, or a full-page ad (3.5 wide x 8 long) for $200. Artwork must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.

Legislative Reception (Co-Sponsor $500)

A great way to make sure your presence at our conference gets noticed. With this sponsorship you'll receive:
· Two admissions to the reception.
·Appropriate signage at the reception.
·Full page ad (3.5 wide x 8 long, color) in the meeting program. Artwork
must accompany payment or e-mail to nard@nrdnet.org.

Full Registration - $210

Includes Tuesday and Wednesday meetings, breaks and luncheons, plus Tuesday Evening Reception.

Tuesday Only - $185

Includes Tuesday meetings, breaks and luncheon, plus Tuesday Evening Reception.

Tuesday Evening Reception Only - $55

Wednesday Only - $85

Includes Wednesday meetings, breaks and luncheon.

2012 NRD Legislative Conference Agenda

Refund Information:

• January 6, 2012 - Registration deadline.
• January 13, 2012 - Cancellation refunds must be in writing and will be accepted until this date.
• Cancellations received between Jan 14-17 are subject to a $25 processing fee.
• January 18, 2012 - No refunds for cancellations received on/after this date.
  Walk-in Registrations will be charged an additional $25 fee per person.

Hotel Information:

• January 2, 2012 - Deadline for motel reservations, Embassy Suites, 1040 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 474-1111 or 1-800-EMBASSY.
• Special room rates are available: $149 for single or double. Be sure to mention you are attending the NARD Legislative Conference when making reservations.

The Lewis and Clark NRD is offering a special seedling package of trees and shrubs for small acreages. The package of 50 seedling trees and shrubs includes ten each of the following species; Ponderosa Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Burr Oak, Lilac, and Arrowwood Viburnum at a cost of $40.

If you are interested in ordering the small acreage seedling package or ordering other trees and shrubs, please contact the Lewis and Clark NRD at 402-254-6758. The deadline for ordering seedlings is March 31, 2012.

The Cedar Knox Rural Water Project Advisory Committee provides a $500 scholarship to a high school senior in memoriam of Galen Jueden. Galen was a dedicated 14 year employee who gave 100%, all the time, to the customers and staff of the CKRWP. He was an invaluable asset to the CKRWP and his dedication to the Project is recognized by providing a scholarship to a worthy student looking to achieve a degree in higher education.

The scholarship is available to High School Seniors in the primary schools within the CKRWP area or to water service customers of the CKWRP. Priority will be given to students of water system customers.

If you would like more information about the Galen Jueden Memorial Scholarship please contact the Cedar Knox Rural Water Project at 402-254-6758. The application is available from guidance counselors of the schools located within the Project service area. Applications are also available on line at www.lcnrd.org under the Info & Education heading and must be submitted by March 7, 2012.

The Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District provides 4 - $500 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors of primary schools of the District. The Patefield - Green Memorial Scholarship is available to students who intend to pursue an agricultural related career and plan to return to the area and help local communities to conserve and protect our natural resources.

Applications will be judged based on how and where the applicant plans to use this education, the applicant's awareness and preservation of natural resources, the applicant's individual initiative and the applicant's community involvement. Applicants should also list any individual or group achievements in areas such as 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, class officer, or any church or civic organizations in which they have been involved. All applicants must reside in the Lewis & Clark NRD and their course of study must be in an agricultural related field.

If you are a high school senior or know of a high school senior who would benefit from this scholarship - applications are available from your high school guidance counselor. Applications are also available on line at www.lcnrd.org under the "Info & Education" heading or by contacting the Lewis & Clark NRD at 402-254-6758. All applications must be received at the Lewis & Clark NRD office by March 7, 2012.

Tecumseh - With January comes the time for the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors to reorganize. However, after the voting was complete on Thursday, January 12, the officer positions remained the same for 2012 as they were in 2011. Lisa Beethe will continue as Chair along with Rob Bohling, Vice-Chair, and Don Siske, Secretary-Treasurer. Orval Gigstad and Don Siske will also serve as the NRD's representative and alternate, respectively, to the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts.

Five applications for irrigation well permits were scrutinized by the board with two located southeast of Steinauer, two northwest of Steinauer, and one east of Elk Creek. The board approved the four wells near Steinauer for Kalin Farms along with the well near Elk Creek for Ervin Gobber. The board was also updated on the notice that was sent to the Department of Natural Resources regarding the late permit for Scott Prange that was approved last month.

No action was taken on the ongoing review of the District's groundwater rules and regulations as they pertain to application, evaluation, and approval of well permits. However, the Programs and Projects Committee will be meeting next month to discuss some proposed changes.
When approving a permit to irrigate from an NRD watershed structure, flow meters are required to measure the water used. Many irrigators rent a meter from the NRD, and the rental rate has not changed for several years. Because the cost of new meters has more than doubled since the rate was set, the board voted to increase its rental rate to $125 per year for all meters regardless of size.
The NRD was contacted by an agronomy professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln regarding a statewide research project. Since the NRD does not collect crop data as part of its groundwater management program, the UNL Department of Agronomy was requesting NRD cooperation in a survey to be sent to local soybean producers regarding their crop management practices. Board approval was granted to assist the group in contacting producers in the District.
No action was taken on an idea to set up a committee to administer the finances of the Steamboat Trace Association. This volunteer group was formed to help promote the 21-mile trail between Nebraska City and Brownville back when it was originally developed. Since the Association has been inactive for the past several years, the idea was to organize a committee to help make decisions on how to use the funds that had been received over the years. Staff was directed to work with potential members of this group to reorganize and then bring more information back to the board.
Bids for a 4x4 ½ ton crew cab pickup to replace the District's Chevy Tracker were reviewed. The board approved a bid of $22,756.00 submitted by Larson Motors of Nebraska City for a 2012 Dodge Ram, which included trade allowance for the Tracker. A total of seven bids were received from three dealers.
Board authorization was granted to apply for recycling grants to assist with the purchase of a wood chipper and also for rubber tire mulch for playground areas at NRD parks. Both grants would require a local match but would likely not include any expenditure until the next fiscal year.
The Executive Committee examined some areas in the budget where savings were expected as well as cuts that had been made to the budget back in August. As a result the board voted to allow additional expenditures for the following: authorize one staff and one director to attend the NARD Washington, DC, conference in March; reinstate funds for promotional items, groundwater consulting services, and conservation assistance programs.
The board was updated on the status of a replacement performance and payment bond for the Buck Creek dam construction. They also briefly reviewed some proposed changes to the salary schedule. No action was taken on either item.
The next regular meeting of the Nemaha Natural Resources District board of directors will be Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the NRD headquarters in Tecumseh. Committees will meet prior to the regular meeting.

The South Platte Natural Resources District is continuing discussions on possible changes to regulations governing ground water allocations available for use by area irrigators.
Current allocations are in effect for the 2012 irrigation season, and if any changes were to be made, would be implemented in 2013. District officials will continue their discussion at the February board meeting and plan to hold a public hearing and make their final decision by the March board meeting. Until the final decision is made, public input is encouraged.
In other business, board members voted to retain their current leadership lineup, with Keith Rexroth continuing as board chair. Tom Biggs is vice-chair and Paul Hutchison is the secretary. Rod Horn, District manager, continues to serve as treasurer.
This was the 20th year the District has monitored nitrates. To collect date, monitoring wells were sampled quarterly, while irrigation and domestic wells were sampled twice between May and October when possible.

For the past two months, District staff and board members have been reviewing ground water levels and other information brought forth in discussions to determine the best course of action to protect ground water reserves for both immediate and future uses.

In December, board members received input from Ground Water Advisory Committees in a series of meeting across the District. Ground water advisory groups are made up of water users and leaders from a cross section of District residents. The purpose of the ground water advisory committees is to advise the District board of directors on policies, ensure that all view points are considered, and to communicate on-going District programs and projects.

At their January meeting, SPNRD board members continued their review and heard more input from several irrigators. Following that discussion, board members were polled for their opinions on possible allocation changes they thought would provide protection for local aquifers.

On average, recommendations were for annual 14-inch allocations throughout the Lodgepole Valley west of Sidney. In one subarea, Oliver Reservoir to Buffalo Bend would see a two-inch allocation reduction, while the others, Pine Bluffs to Oliver Reservoir, and Buffalo Bend to Sidney, would remain the same. The average recommendation for the Sidney to Colorado State Line subarea would also result in no changes.

Potential changes could be in store for the South Platte Valley and the Tableland Subareas, which were the last to go under allocations, and have the largest amount of water available at 20 inches per year. The directors polled with an average of 18-inch allocation in the South Platte Valley subarea, while concern over large water level drops in the Tablelands resulted in suggestions ranging from 13 to 18 inches per year, with an average of about 14 inches.

The discussions come as the District works to fulfill a provision within the Districtwide Ground Water Rules and Regulations that changes to allocations be made about a year before they would have to be implemented by producers to allow irrigators to plan ahead.

The board also approved a request by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for assistance with a producer crop yield and management data collection project. A University research team is using unique modeling software that can predict yield potentials of corn and soybean crops. To continue model development, the team is collecting known crop data from across the state where possible.

Other business included a presentation of the District's 2011 Ground Water Quality Monitoring Program Report from Natural Resources Coordinator Chris Kaiser.

Kaiser reported 175 of 212 network wells were sampled at least once this past year. Some wells were not sampled because they are in deferment, while others were not used much because of the weather or the types of crops in the rotation.

In 2011, nitrate-nitrogen averages in 11 of 17 target areas were higher than the previous year, although only two, the Sidney Municipal Wells and Sidney Draw Trigger Monitoring Wells, averaged more than 10 parts-per-million, the standard Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrate-nitrogen.

The entire report can be seen at the South Platte NRD office, 511 Parkland Dr. in Sidney, or on the District Website, www.spnrd.org.

The North Platte NRD is now taking orders for 2012 conservation trees. Landowners are encouraged to place their orders as soon as possible. Trees are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
The NPNRD has 26 varieties of two-year-old bare-root conifer and deciduous trees and shrubs and six varieties of potted trees available. Bare-root trees are sold in bundles of 50 for 85 cents each and potted stock is sold in multiples of 30 for $1.75 each, except for Red Cedar which are sold in multiples of 50. All NRD trees and shrubs are available for conservation purposes only. The district does not sell trees for landscaping purposes.
Cost share assistance for tree planting is available. Cost-share minimum is 350 trees and minimum cost-share amount for tree purchases/planting is $350.
Tree program coordinators Roy Lyles and Craig Uhrig are available free of charge to help with tree row planning, site preparation and cost-share applications and consultation for windbreak design, soil conditions and tree variety selection.
"We can go out, as a service, and take measurements and help with site selections," Lyles said. "We can make recommendations for site selections as far as soil types, conditions and slope. We don't charge extra, that's included in our planting fee." Last year the district sold 134,380 conservation trees.
"We can go out, as a service, and take measurements and help with site selections," Lyles said. "We can make recommendations for site selections as far as soil types, conditions and slope. We don't charge extra, that's included in our planting fee." Last year the district sold 134,380 conservation trees.
For more information on trees, go to www.nrdtrees.org. Tree order and tree planting/spraying request forms and the NRD Tree Planting brochure are available at the NPNRD office at 100547 Airport Road, Scottsbluff or can be viewed at and printed from our website http://www.npnrd.org/trees.htm and mailed in. Call the district office at (308) 632-2749 or your USDA-NRCS office in Scottsbluff, Bridgeport or Oshkosh for more information.

The NPNRD also offers landowners several services to help get conservation trees established and improve survival rates. These include machine tree planting at 85 cents per tree or hand planting at $1.25 per tree, with a minimum charge of $255. Chemical weed control is available for 25 cents per tree.

Trees ordered through the NRD are shipped from the nursery and stored at the district's tree coolers until planting time, which begins approximately April 1. Customers can either pick up the trees themselves and plant them, or take advantage of the NRDs tree planting services.

(GRAND ISLAND, NE)- The Central Platte Natural Resources District will hold their monthly Board of Directors meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2012. The meeting will be held at the NRD office located at 215 Kaufman Avenue in Grand Island. Following is a preliminary agenda:

--Nominating Committee- The board will take action to elect a board treasurer and secretary. The nominating committee recommended Alicia Haussler as treasurer and Jim Bendfeldt as secretary. According to the NRD's bylaws, directors are allowed to serve two consecutive two-year terms in each position. Treasurer Jerry Wiese has served two full terms and is ineligible to serve another term. Jim Bendfeldt has served one term.
--Variance/Appeals Sub-Committee- A landowner from Polk County has requested an appeal on land that is currently under review for an irrigation violation. The committee will review and take action on the appeal.
--Water Resources Committee- The committee will discuss and possibly take action on:
1. Proposed Integrated Management Plan
2. Criteria for approving variances in the management area below Chapman.
3. 30 Mile Canal purchase and rehabilitation agreement.
4. Southside Irrigation Canal agreement.
5. Cozad rehabilitation.
--Programs Committee- The committee will discuss adding new practices to the cost share program such as soil moisture sensors and cover crops.
--NRCS- James Huntwork, district conservationist of Grand Island, will report to the board.
--Cozad Rehab- Milt Moravek, assistant manager, will give a presentation on the construction progress of the Cozad Canal rehabilitation.
--Land Acquisition- Moravek will also have an update on land acquisition for the Prairie/Silver/Moores Flood Control Project dams.
--COHYST- Duane Woodward, hydrologist, will have an update on the Cooperative Hydrology Study.
--Legislation- Milt Moravek will give the first legislative update of the 2012 session.
--November Election- Filing date for incumbents in February 15; for non-incumbents it's March 1.
--Other- As may develop prior to the board meeting.

--Committee Sign-Ups- Directors will select at least two committees to serve on in 2012. Chairman for the following committees will be selected: Water Resources, Eastern Projects, Western Projects and Programs.

(GRAND ISLAND, NE) If you would like to further your experience or certification level for prescribed burning, the Fire Learning Network (along with other agencies) will provide a great opportunity to do so this spring in central Nebraska which will include both training and burning.

Grant funds managed by the Nebraska Forest Service will pay travel expenses for Nebraska participants seeking to further their prescribed burning qualification and experience. Participants must apply by February 15, 2012.
The field burning dates and locations are listed below:
*March 10-15 Basset: Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary & a private Ranch in Rock County.
*March 15-24 Ainsworth: Niobrara Valley Preserve
*March 18-22 Gothenburg: Jerry Kranau's property
*March 23-31 Ord and Scotia

Training Prerequisites: Students will need S130/S190 certification and basic personal protective equipment. If you have not already taken S130/S190 you can complete a self-study CD and attend a field day to complete the training.
Field Day Completion Dates and Locations: We will be providing two different field days for completion of the 130/190 self-study: March 12-13th in Basset and March 19-20th in Gothenburg.
Deadline: If you'd like to participate contact David Carr, Central Platte NRD: (308) 385-6282 by February 15, 2012. For more information on participation, contact Jeremy Bailey: (801) 599-1394.

Curtis, NE - The Natural Resources Districts of Nebraska have worked closely with the US Forest Service Tree Nursery in Halsey to develop a "Small Acreage Package" suitable for smaller properties. These packages can be ordered through the NRD Office in Curtis or your nearest NRCS field office.
Two packages are available. The West package consists of Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, Hackberry, Chokecherry, and Cranberry Viburnum. The East package consists of Pondersa Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Bur Oak, Lilac, and Wayfaringtree Viburnum. Each package consists of 50 seedlings, 10 each of 5 species listed.
The deadline for ordering the tree packages is March 15th. Phone the District at (800) 873-5613 for pricing and more information.
The Middle Republican NRD protects lives, property and the future of the this area through a wide range of stewardship, management and education programs-from flood control to groundwater monitoring, from irrigation management to soil conservation and more. Activities and projects of the Middle Republican NRD are reviewed and approved by a locally elected board of directors. For more information, visit www.mrnrd.org or call 1-800-873-5613.

LINCOLN (NE) January 11, 2012 - The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District is offering acreage owners a special package of seedling trees to plant this spring. Besides the NRD's annual sale of conifers, hardwoods and shrubs in bundles of 25, smaller sets of certain seedling species have been assembled especially for small acreages. The packages of 50 seedlings include Ponderosa Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Bur Oak, Lilac and Wayfaringtree Viburnum in bundles of ten each and are being sold for $40.

The NRD accepts orders for tree seedlings year-round, for delivery in April. January 25th is the order deadline for delivery this April. The seedlings are delivered to the NRD and stored in a custom tree cooler until landowners are ready to plant in April or May. The species offered are chosen especially for windbreaks and wildlife habitat and the minimum order is 100, except if purchasing a small acreage package. About 30,000 seedlings are sold by the NRD each year through the program. Nebraska NRDs combine orders to get a discounted price for landowners. More information about the program and an order form are available at lpsnrd.org, click on Programs, Cost-Sharing, then Tree Programs. Anyone interested in a small acreage package should contact the NRD at 402-476-2729.